Chinese Shar-Pei

also known as char pei, Shar-Pei

Pros History


The Chinese Shar-Pei, known for its distinctive wrinkles and blue-black tongue, is a ancient breed with a rich history dating back to the Han Dynasty in China.

The breed was originally used for hunting and as a guard dog, as well as for herding and protecting livestock. The Shar-Pei's wrinkle-covered skin served as protection in fights with other animals, and its strong jaw and athletic build made it a formidable opponent.

The breed's name, "Shar-Pei," translates to "sand skin" in English, a reference to the texture of its short, rough coat.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Shar-Pei's numbers began to decline due to the rise of modernization and urbanization in China. However, a group of Hong Kong breeders began efforts to preserve the breed, and in 1973 the Shar-Pei was recognized by the Hong Kong Kennel Club.

Matgo Law, also known as "Fu-Manchu," was a Hong Kong-based breeder and one of the key figures in the preservation and introduction of the Chinese Shar-Pei to the United States in the 1970s. He is credited with bringing the first Shar-Pei to the United States in 1973 and working tirelessly to promote the breed and establish it in the American Kennel Club.

Law was passionate about the Shar-Pei breed and dedicated to preserving its unique characteristics and preserving its bloodlines. He imported and exported Shar-Pei to and from China, Hong Kong and the United States, working closely with other breeders to establish the breed in the US.

In the early days of introducing the breed in the US, Law faced challenges in getting the Shar-Pei recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and educating the public about the breed. However, his efforts paid off and in 1992 the Shar-Pei was officially recognized by the AKC.

Law passed away in 2002 but his legacy lives on through the many Shar-Pei that he helped to bring to the United States and the continued popularity of the breed. Matgo Law was a true pioneer in the Chinese Shar-Pei world, his legacy and dedication towards the breed will always be remembered.

Breed Information


Type

Is Chinese Shar-Pei a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Chinese Shar-Peis originally used for?

Multipurpose Working Dog

Lifespan

How Long Do Chinese Shar-Peis Live? What is average life expectancy for a Chinese Shar-Pei? How long can Chinese Shar-Peis live?

8-12 years

The average Chinese Shar-Pei lifespan is somewhere between 8-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Chinese Shar-Pei Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Chinese Shar-Pei?

What is the average height of a Chinese Shar-Pei? How big is a Purebred Chinese Shar-Pei height? Chinese Shar-Pei dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 18-20 inches (45.7 - 50.8 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm)
Female 18-20 inches (45.7 - 50.8 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm)
What is the average weight of a Chinese Shar-Pei? How much should Chinese Shar-Peis weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 45-60 pounds (20 - 27 kg) 24.0 pounds (11 kg) 42.5 pounds (19 kg) 52.5 pounds (24 kg)
Female 45-60 pounds (20 - 27 kg) 24.0 pounds (11 kg) 42.5 pounds (19 kg) 52.5 pounds (24 kg)
Hypoallergenic

Are Chinese Shar-Peis Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Chinese Shar-Pei is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Chinese Shar-Pei dog?

Chinese Shar-Peis are not the best watchdogs. If you want a guard dog, the Chinese Shar-Pei is not the breed for you. They will 'watch' everything - but that's usually as far as they go.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Chinese Shar-Peis come from?

China

Ancestry

What are Chinese Shar-Peis descended from?

Chow Chow

Date of Birth

When were Chinese Shar-Peis first bred? How old is the Chinese Shar-Pei breed?

206 BC

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Chinese Shar-Pei?

Non Sporting (AKC:1992)
Northern Breeds (UKC)

Chinese Shar-Pei Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Chinese Shar-Pei eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Chinese Shar-Pei nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Chinese Shar-Pei coat be naturally?

Black
Fawn
Cream
Red

Coat Length

How long is a Chinese Shar-Peis coat?

The coat of a Chinese Shar-Pei falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Chinese Shar-Pei Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Chinese Shar-Pei?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Chinese Shar-Pei have in a litter? How many puppies can a Chinese Shar-Pei have in her first litter?

8-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Chinese Shar-Pei can have a litter of 8-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Chinese Shar-Pei Health Issues


Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Chinese Shar-Pei?

Entropion
Hip Dysplasia
Kidney Problems
Chinese Shar-Pei Fever
Mast Cell Tumors

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Chinese Shar-Peis?

Patellar Luxation
Elbow Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Skin Problems
Heat Sensitivity

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Chinese Shar-Pei breed?

Eye
Hip
Elbow
Blood
Knee
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Chinese Shar-Pei Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Chinese Shar-Peis have a lot of energy?

Chinese Shar-Peis are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Chinese Shar-Peis get?

The Chinese Shar-Pei dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Chinese Shar-Pei dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Past times

What do Chinese Shar-Peis enjoy doing? How do I keep my Chinese Shar-Pei busy?

Napping, Exploring, Jogging, Walking, Cuddles, Sniffing, Fetch, Sleeping, Running, Going on walks, Chewing bones, Cuddling, Eating Snacks, Walk, Tug-of-war, Play, Walks

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Chinese Shar-Pei? How much energy does a Chinese Shar-Pei have?

Medium

Chinese Shar-Peis are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Walks per Week

How far should a Chinese Shar-Pei walk each week? How many miles should a Chinese Shar-Pei walk every week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Chinese Shar-Pei, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Chinese Shar-Pei should exercise a day? How much activity does a Chinese Shar-Pei need?

60 minutes

In general most Chinese Shar-Peis usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Chinese Shar-Pei?

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Chinese Shar-Pei?

Daily

Ideally, Chinese Shar-Pei should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Chinese Shar-Peis?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Chinese Shar-Pei eat?

3 cups

For an average 45-60 pound (20 - 27 kg) Chinese Shar-Pei feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Chinese Shar-Pei Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Chinese Shar-Pei is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Chinese Shar-Pei Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Chinese Shar-Pei is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Chinese Shar-Pei Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Chinese Shar-Pei?

Chinese Shar-Peis has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Chinese Shar-Pei is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Affection Dependance

Are Chinese Shar-Pei dogs affectionate?

Dog Friendly

Do Chinese Shar-Pei dogs get along with other dogs? Are Chinese Shar-Peis OK with other dogs?

Chinese Shar-Peis are below average dog friendly dogs. Chinese Shar-Pei dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Playfulness

Do Chinese Shar-Peis like to play? Are Chinese Shar-Peis playful?

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Chinese Shar-Pei is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are Chinese Shar-Pei easily trained?

Chinese Shar-Pei dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Low energy level
    They typically have a low energy level and are relatively inactive.
  • Good guard dog
    Chinese Shar-Pei make good guard dogs due to their protective nature.
  • Affectionate
    They are known to be affectionate and loyal to their owners.

Cons

  • Health problems
    The Chinese Shar-Pei breed, like others, may have certain health conditions that they are prone to, such as Entropion, Hip Dysplasia, Kidney Problems, Chinese Shar-Pei Fever and Mast Cell Tumors.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Due to their non-hypoallergenic nature, Chinese Shar-Peis may cause allergic reactions in some people.
  • Grooming needs
    Their short, rough coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting.